Trastevere: What to See, Where to Eat and How to Get There

Trastevere is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome. It's perfect if you're traveling with family, or if you want to sleep somewhere a little quieter but still have plenty of places to eat, shop and have fun nearby.

Where to stay in Trastevere

Trastevere is a highly recommended neighborhood for staying in Rome. You get all the charm of the area while still being well connected by public transport.

Tram No. 8, which takes you to Largo di Torre Argentina (near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona), runs constantly along Viale di Trastevere. And if you like walking, you'll soon realize Trastevere isn't that far from the center of Rome. In fact, it takes barely 16 minutes on foot from the heart of the neighborhood to Piazza Navona.

There's also a train connection at Roma Trastevere station, from where you can get quickly to other parts of Rome or to the Vatican.

Without a doubt, one of our favorite neighborhoods in Rome.

What to see in Trastevere

Beyond Parione, the Jewish Ghetto of Rome and the lively Campo de' Fiori, you'll find the bridges that cross the Tiber.

One of them, and the one with the most history, is the famous Ponte Sisto, since the current bridge stands on the same spot as the first Roman bridge to link the two banks of the Tiber.

If you cross Ponte Sisto from Piazza S. Vincenzo Pallotti, you'll arrive at Piazza Trilussa, a lovely gateway into the Trastevere neighborhood.

Trastevere is a special corner of Rome. Wealthy residents mix with expats, students, tourists and working-class families.

Its streets are always busy, especially around the square and the fountain right in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

The best way to get to know Trastevere is to lose yourself in its charming little streets, so forget Google Maps and simply wander with your eyes on the facades of the houses.

Look at the medieval buildings and the cobblestones that Romans call sampietrini (named after the church of San Pietro), but pay attention to the people too.

A heads-up: walking around the neighborhood on a weekday afternoon is nothing like a weekend night. In the first case you'll find a busy but relaxed neighborhood, while in the second Trastevere becomes the soul of Rome's nightlife.

The Gianicolo Hill

On the edge of Trastevere stands one of the most important and beautiful hills in Rome. The Gianicolo is where the Roman Republic was declared at the beginning of the “Risorgimento” in 1849, which is why you'll find busts and artworks up here commemorating that event.

The Gianicolo hill offers one of the best views in the city, a great spot to take in what to see in Rome, and if you get there by walking up through Trastevere we recommend visiting the Orto Botanico (Rome's Botanical Garden). It sits on the slopes of the Gianicolo, covers about 12 hectares and was once the residence of Christina of Sweden.

On the Gianicolo you'll also find the famous Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, better known to Romans as the Fontanone. This huge, beautiful fountain sits on a large panoramic terrace, and it was the inspiration for the design of the world-famous Trevi Fountain.

Still on the Gianicolo hill, you can also visit the church of San Pietro in Montorio, the much-loved Tempietto del Bramante at the Spanish Academy, and take a selfie beside the equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Villa Farnesina

In Trastevere you'll find Villa Farnesina, an old villa that belonged to a noble family (the first one built outside the city walls). It was decorated by artists of the caliber of Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo and Baldassarre Peruzzi.

The basilicas of Santa Cecilia, Santa Maria dell'Orto and San Francesco

These three basilicas form a triangle within Trastevere. To visit them, we suggest starting at Santa Cecilia. It's medieval in style and holds the ruins of an ancient Roman bath, along with various works of art.

Next, head to the basilica of Santa Maria dell'Orto. It's baroque, and the highlight is a lovely, well-kept garden with all sorts of ornamentation.

To complete the circuit, walk on to the church of San Francesco, where you can admire Bernini's statue of the Blessed Ludovica Albertoni and the tomb of Giorgio de Chirico, the famous Greek-born painter of Italian parents, recognized as the forerunner of metaphysical painting.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

Built in the year 340, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere was the first official church in Rome and also the first dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It's a wonderful place, a source of pride for Romans, and it dazzles visitors with its mosaics, its beauty, its art and its history.

Admission: Free

Hours: Open daily from 7:30 – 21:00

During August: 8:00 – 12:00 / 16:00 – 21:00

Where to eat in Trastevere

The choice of bars and restaurants is huge and pretty varied. You'll find everything from the classic Italian trattoria to international cuisine of every kind.

To make your life easier, here's a list of our 5 favorite restaurants for eating in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood:

Bono Bottega Nostrana – San Pietro

The place is modest but the food is excellent. The kitchen is Italian/Mediterranean and the service could not be better. On weekend evenings tables are hard to come by, so we recommend booking ahead.

Address: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri 109/111, 00165 Roma Italia

Er Pizzicarolo

When it comes to value for money, you'll struggle to find anything better in Rome. They serve Italian/Mediterranean food, have vegetarian and vegan options, and the place doubles as a gourmet shop and wine bar.

Address: Vicolo del Cinque 39, 00153 Roma Italia

La Tavernetta 29 Da Tony E Andrea

A classic Italian tavern with a long list of dishes and wines. The cooking is 100% Roman and Lazio-style. Getting a table isn't always easy, especially on weekend nights. If you want good food with a bit of noise and bustle, this is your place.

Address: Via della Pelliccia 29A, 00153 Roma Italia

Pizza Zizza Caffetteria Birreria Desserteria

Our list wouldn't be complete without a pizzeria. This isn't a restaurant for lingering, it's more of a fast-food spot, but the pizza is among the best you'll try anywhere in Rome.

Address: Via Delle Fornaci 11, 00165 Roma Italia

Trastevere at night

Trastevere is the most popular neighborhood for a night out among Romans and visitors alike, thanks to its huge choice of bars and restaurants. You'll find just about every style and vibe here, and the same goes for prices.

If you want to go out for drinks, have a few laughs and meet people, Trastevere at night is easily your best bet.

Markets

On Sundays, don't miss the Porta Portese flea market. It's to Rome what the Feira da Ladra is to Lisbon, or the Marché aux Puces to Paris. Stall after stall overflowing with small and large treasures waiting to be found.

How to get there

• You can get here from central Rome by hopping on tram No. 8
• By train to Roma Trastevere station
• From Castel Sant'Angelo, you can take bus 23 or 280